[01/13/13 - 06:09 AM]NBC and NBC Sports Network to Air 70 NHL Regular-Season Games in 2013The schedule includes 14 exclusive windows (15 games) on NBC, the most regular-season windows ever for the network.

[via press release from NBC]

NBC AND NBC SPORTS NETWORK TO AIR 70 NHL REGULAR-SEASON GAMES IN 2013

14 Regular-Season Windows on NBC, Most Ever For Network

Wednesday Night is Rivalry Night on NBC Sports Network

Coverage Begins Sat., Jan. 19 with L.A. Kings Banner Raising on NBC, Followed by Regional Coverage of Blackhawks at Kings and Penguins at Flyers

Studio Shows NHL Live and NHL Overtime to Originate from New NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn.

Hockey Day in America Features Doubleheader on NBC Followed by Evening Game on NBC Sports Network

NEW YORK -- Jan. 13, 2013 - NBC Sports Group will air 70 NHL regular-season games across NBC and NBC Sports Network this season. The schedule includes 14 exclusive windows (15 games) on NBC, the most regular-season windows ever for the network, as well as 24 exclusive windows and 26 exclusive games on NBC Sports Network.

Coverage begins the weekend of Jan. 19-20 with the NBC Sports Group presenting four games over two days, three on NBC and one on NBC Sports Network. Additional scheduling highlights include the Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup championship banner raising, a Hockey Day in America tripleheader, and the start of rivalry nights on Wednesday night on NBC Sports Network. According to the National Hockey League, which released the schedule today, all games will be intra-conference with an emphasis on divisional play.

On Sun., Jan. 20 at 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC returns with the Buffalo Sabres hosting the Flyers. NBC Sports Network begins its season Sunday night by televising the Phoenix Coyotes at the Chicago Blackhawks at 10 p.m. ET. It continues coverage with a game on three consecutive nights from Monday through Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT IS RIVALRY NIGHT: NBC Sports Network's exclusive Wednesday night coverage will now feature some of the biggest rivalries in the NHL, including Bruins-Canadiens and Flyers-Penguins. The network will air exclusive coverage Wednesday nights giving NHL fans four straight nights of hockey action, Sunday-Wednesday, during most weeks. Rivalry Nights begin Wednesday, January 23 with the Bruins and Rangers facing off in another Boston-New York contest. Following are NBC Sports Network's 2013 Rivalry Nights:

HOCKEY DAY IN AMERICA: In its third year, Hockey Day in America will celebrate America's passion for hockey on Sunday, February 17, featuring more than nine hours of coverage, including three games and six teams from some of the most avid U.S. hockey markets across both NBC and NBC Sports Network. In addition, coverage will include compelling features that tell the story of America's passion for hockey.

Coverage begins at Noon ET on NBC with NHL Live. The first two broadcasts on NBC are Pittsburgh at Buffalo at 12:30 p.m. ET and Los Angeles at Chicago at 3:30 p.m. ET. The final game of the celebration is between Washington at the New York Rangers at 6 p.m. ET and airs on NBC Sports Network. (All times ET and subject to change)

NBC SPORTS GROUP OPENS STATE-OF-THE ART STUDIOS: NHL studio programming throughout the 2013 season will originate from the NBC Sports Group's new, state-of-the-art International Broadcast Center located in Stamford, Conn. The first studio programming will air on NBC on Saturday, Jan. 19, prior to the two regional games.

NHL Live is NBC Sports Network's live pre- and post-show with highlights and analysis of NHL matchups before and after every game. It traditionally airs a half-hour prior to live-event coverage. NHL Overtime airs Monday-Wednesday nights after NHL telecasts. It examines all NHL games played that night with news, highlights, and analysis.

FLEX SCHEDULING ON NBC: For the sixth consecutive season, the NHL and NBC Sports Group will utilize flex scheduling, which provides the ability to select from up to four games on Sunday afternoons. At least 13 days prior to the scheduled games, the NHL and NBC will announce which game will air. Following are the current games scheduled for NBC: